Statuette of Bastet in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, June 2018

Statuette of Bastet

Unknown (Artist)

Date: ca. 663–525 BC (?)

Culture: Egyptian

Category: Sculpture

Medium: bronze (copper alloy)

Collection: Ancient Art

Dimensions: Overall: 4 5/8 × 1 1/2 × 1 1/4 in. (11.75 × 3.81 × 3.18 cm)

Object Number: 57.20

Dynasty: Dynasty 26 or later

Period: Late Period

Credit Line: Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund

The cat-headed goddess Bastet carries a sistrum (a rattle for making music) and a basket, perhaps for holding flowers. Bastet was a benevolent deity whose festivals included music and dance; here the goddess herself is dressed as a temple dancer. (The earrings are modern replacements.)

Text from: vmfa.museum/piction/6027262-8056383